After months of tough negotiation, Suffolk and Norfolk are very close to securing a Devolution Deal with government that could help further transform our economy and create even greater opportunities for jobs, investment and growth.
Public consultation on the proposal has just started, and will close on 23rd August.
As part of this process, New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, together with Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers of Commerce, are hosting three business engagement events, to give businesses in the East the opportunity to learn more about the benefits of devolution, and have their voices heard loud and clear in the decision-making process. Around 150 businesses have already signed up to attend.
The three events taking place are:
- Tuesday 26th July, University College Suffolk: 8.00-10.00am, Waterfront Building, Ipswich IP4 1QJ. Speakers: Mark Pendlington, Chairman, New Anglia LEP; Andy Wood OBE, Independent Chair, East Anglian Devolution Leaders Group; Dr Peter Funnell, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce.
- Thursday 28th July, Norwich University of the Arts: 8.00-10.00am, Ideas Factory, Norwich, NR2 4AE. Speakers: Mark Pendlington, Chairman, New Anglia LEP; Andy Wood OBE, Independent Chair, East Anglian Devolution Leaders Group; Caroline Williams and Jonathan Cage, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.
- Friday 29th July, West Suffolk College: 8.00-10.00am, Out Risbygate, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3RL. Speakers: Mark Pendlington, Chairman, New Anglia LEP and Matt Moss, Chair, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce in Bury St Edmunds
Businesses will also have the opportunity to co-sign a letter from Mark Pendlington and the Chambers of Commerce to Andy Wood, Independent Chair, East Anglian Devolution Leaders Group, giving their endorsement for the Devolution Agreement for Norfolk and Suffolk. The letter will then go into Government as part of the wider consultation process.
Mark Pendlington, Chairman of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “This is a defining moment for our economy and everyone that lives and runs a business here. We have a massive opportunity to bring even greater prosperity, more funding and release even more potential from Suffolk and Norfolk. Devolution can bring decision making from Whitehall to our doorstep so we can focus on our priorities of making the East the best place to live, work and learn.
This is a rallying call that will leave the Government in absolutely no doubt that we are up for the challenge of building on our successes and achievements so far and driving forward our ambitions.”
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “Norfolk needs continuedinvestment in skills and infrastructure to enable the local business community to retain and create new jobs and drive the economy forward. This Norfolk Devolution event is an ideal opportunity for the business community to ensure they are fully aware of the issues and for national and local Government clearly hear their opinions. It is essential in these discussion and those going forward that the business community are seem as an equal partner in driving forward the right agenda for Norfolk”
Dr Peter Funnell, immediate past president, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “Suffolk Chamber of Commerce believes that devolution offers new and important opportunities for the businesses community in Suffolk and Norfolk.
In particular, the focus of devolution on infrastructure investment has the potential to offer long-term benefits for the competitiveness of the two counties within the UK and in international markets.
Critically, we also see devolution as creating new opportunities to work with the Mayor and Combined Authority to ensure that the voice of business informs decisions and priorities, and that the economic and social contribution of business is recognised, acknowledged and supported.”
